CORE PURPOSE

The BWOT Initiative exist to:

"Harness the potential of young women by economically and emotionally empowering them to make creative, informed life and career choices through integrated intervention focused on creating a South African society with balanced female representation in business leadership and direct contribution to economic sustainability."

Note: Young women in grades 8 to 12 will be the initial focus of the initiative.

"All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence" - Dr Martin Luther King

RATIONALE

Young women, in particular previously disadvantaged black women, continue to have limited career choices largely due to lack of awareness as well as resources to pursue career options that are available to them. The Businesswomen of Tomorrow Initiative's (BWOT) aim is to address this issue, with emphasis placed on the ongoing BWOT Theme of Entrepreneurship.

VOLUNTEERS AND FUNDING REQUIRED

Ultimately the BWOT project will be driven by the sponsors, community stakeholders and the BWA. However, financial support, by means of corporate sponsorship, is urgently required in order to achieve the short-term objectives of the project and in particular, to achieve long-term sustainability.

The project also requires the services of volunteers who would be available to assist during the critical project phases such as motivational presentations, career assessments and career counseling.

Companies or individuals interested in participating in this worthwhile initiative should call Nia Kubheka for a detailed proposal.

Phone: 011 486 0482

Fax: 086 527 3866

Email: bwot@bwasa.co.za

"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled but as candles to be lit." - Robert Shaffer

Bursaries awarded to deserving students

Monday, 31 May 2010

Tuscan BBQ Restaurant, Maponya Mall, Soweto

JWT graciously donated funds towards bursaries for the Businesswomen Of Tomorrow programme. The Businesswomen’s Association hosted a function to award the students.

Ten students from different institutions received R5 000.00 each to go towards their studies.

The following young women were the recipients of the bursary:

• Yamkela Khoza – Bachelor Of Arts
• Elelwani Ndou – B COM (Accounting)
• Precious Dube – B COM (Monetary Economics)
• Ncamsile Kubeka – BA (Public Management and Goverance)
• Miyelani Masinga – B COM (Monetary Economics)
• Mamorena Seleke – B COM (Accounting)
• Ikhona Mlindazwe – N DIP: Accounting
• Zinhle Sangweni – BSC (Mathematics of Finance)
• Boitumelo Sephapo – BA (Corporate Communication)
• Lindiwe Mathe – Beauty Therapy

Busi Skenjana, the BWA-Soweto branch chairperson was the MC at the function. The out-going BWA President, Mrs. Basetsana Kumalo gave an inspirational talk on unleashing one’s potential. Rehema Isa, BWA board member gave an energized outline on the programme and what it aims to achieve. Judy van Dam, Managing Director of JWT motivated the young women to embrace their femininity through out their journey in their careers; “To always have a softer touch”. The Chancellor from the University of Johannesburg, Dr. Johannes Manyaka also added to the encouragements but also highlighted the massive work that the university has embarked on in developing the youth through its different programmes.

Miyelani Masinga and Yamkela Khoza responded with gratitude for the opportunity given to the students.

“It is with great pleasure to tell you how thankful I am for the money you awarded us with yesterday.Thank you Business Women Association,for recorgnising our hard work.This has encouraged me to work even  harder.Words cannot express my feelings, nor my gratitude for all your help.Your thoughtfulness will always be rememebered.Someday I will give back what you have given me. Thank you.” Zinhle B. Sangweni

The BWOT Initiative exists to harness the potential of young women by economically and emotionally empowering them to make creative, informed life and career choices through integrated intervention focused on creating a South African society with balanced female representation in business leadership and direct contribution to economic sustainability.

BWOT Programme and Projects

The phases of the BWOT Initiative will take on the shape of several projects:

Holiday schools will be held for approximately 35 girls.  This will be held in the June and September holidays. 

After each Holiday School, the participants will have another week-long experience during their next school holidays, called World of Work where they will be given the opportunity to spend an entire week at one of the sponsor companies.  This will expose them to the real working world out there and will provide them with valuable and crucial hands-on business experience. 

A Career Day will enable a larger number of young girls exposure and interaction with institutions and employers, which will hopefully assist them in making appropriate choices in school subjects and study options.  Emphasis will be placed on under-represented disciplines such as Science, Engineering and Technology.

Business women role models of all races will be identified from key industry sectors to interact with the girls.  The BWOT Initiative, once established, envisage having a mentoring programme in place for the girls where businesswomen role models will donate their time and “adopt” a girl to mentor for an initial period of one year.

Smaller workshop programmes will be held to increase awareness of Business and Life skills targeting approximately 1000 girls at a time

Tertiary bursaries will be awarded to as many as possible outstanding and deserving girls.

To contribute or participate in any of the above mentioned projects, please contact Nia Kubheka on 011 486 0482 or bwot@bwasa.co.za.